Ordinance 37 – 19 Passes
On August 5, 2019, the Cape Coral City Council passed Ordinance 37 – 19.
Ordinance 37 – 19 pertains to the prohibition of retail sale of dogs and cats in the City. The humane treatment of animals is an important public purpose. The practice of commercial breeding facilities, sometimes referred to as “puppy mills” and “kitten factories”, contribute to domestic animal overpopulation.
An effective tool to eliminate the retail market for domestic dogs and cats bred through puppy mills and kitten factories is to require that pet stores utilize an adoption-based business model, which ensures that the animals sold by retail outlets are sourced from animal care facilities and animal rescue organizations, which encourages the adoption of homeless pets and reduces the financial and emotional toll on consumers who purchase mill-bred pets with latent physical and behavioral problems.
The prohibition of the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores in the City will reduce impulse purchases of pets, which can lead to abandonment or mistreatment of animals once they have outgrown their initial puppy or kitten appeal, and encourage pet consumers to adopt dogs and cats from shelters.
